Today we pick back up with this summer’s series that recognizes the KU football players who figure to have the most important roles for the Jayhawks during the upcoming season.
After starting with a wide receiver, it’s back-to-back D-Backs to get the list going.
Here’s a look:
23. Greg Allen, 5-foot-11, 212-pound Jr. Safety
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It’s now-or-never time for Allen to establish himself as a starting defensive back. He appeared in eight games as a redshirt freshman, all 12 as a sophomore and even started three. He showed flashes as a solid cover guy and a decent tackler, but didn’t do any one thing well enough to convince anybody that he needs to be on the field. With a big step forward this season he can finish his career as a two-year starter.
Now listed as a safety, Allen has the size (5-foot-11, 212 pounds) and speed for the position and needs to show he can bring the instincts and understanding of the game to contribute in a way he can help others on the field with him become better players.
Since last season ended, Allen has been aggressive on social media in telling himself and his followers that 2015 is the year he needs to make it happen. He has the right attitude and the opportunity is there for him with all four starters from the secondary having graduated.
Allen’s life story makes him an easy athlete for whom to root. When he was 12, Allen’s mother packed their bags and headed from New Orleans to Houston, beating Hurricane Katrina by a couple of days. Allen remembers watching TV and recognizing victims of the disaster.
**Most Crucial Jayhawks 2015:**
